How can I listen to library resources like articles and ebooks?

Some library databases include built-in text-to-speech (TTS) functionality, allowing you to listen to articles and ebook chapters in lieu of, or in addition to, reading them as texts.

EBSCOhost Databases

The EBSCOhost databases include a built-in TTS feature available only for articles in the HTML full text format (not for ebooks and PDF files). Look for the Listen icon that appears at the top of the article text. More information on text-to-speech in EBSCOhost databases here.

screenshot of HTML Full Text linkscreenshot of EBSCOhost player


AccessMedicine, AccessPharmacy, & AccessPhysiotherapy

Ebooks from these collections include an audio player for listening to specific sections. Look for the player under the section header.

screenshot of Access player


Credo Reference

Credo Reference allows you to listen to articles by clicking on the Read Aloud icon above the article.

screenshot of Credo Read Aloud


Gale Databases

All Gale/Cengage databases include an option to listen, including the ability to download an MP3 file for offline listening. Look for the audio icon located under the title.

screenshot of Gale audio iconscreenshot of Gale player download option


Adobe Reader

To listen to downloaded PDF files from other databases and ebook collections, you can user the free Adobe Reader app for Mac, iOS, Windows, or Android. For more information, see this support page from Adobe: Conveniently hear PDF files read aloud.

Premium features, especially a wider selection of natural voices, are available in paid subscription apps like Speechify and NaturalReader.